trailer CHEVROLET MALIBU 2023 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 217
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, seeVehicle Load
Limits 0172. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The trailer should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). The maximum allowable
weight of the trailer may be lower based on
the weight of the passengers and cargo in
your trailer.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must be
maintained to ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a leading cause of
trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be
10–15% of the loaded trailer weight (2).
Some specific trailer types, such as boat
trailers, fall outside of this range. Always
refer to the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue to see
if the weights are appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer weight is too high, it
may be possible to transfer some of the
cargo into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue
weight is too high or too low, it may be
possible to rearrange some of the cargo
inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever is less.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
218 Driving and Operating
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Always seal any holes in your vehicle if the
trailer hitch removed. If not sealed, dirt,
water, and carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust may enter your vehicle. SeeEngine
Exhaust 0181.
Consider using mechanical sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 251 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform. Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
antilock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 219
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 088.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 053 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 053.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Vehicle Care 279
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used by the towing
provider. These holes may be used to pull
the vehicle from a flat road surface onto the
flatbed tow truck.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle–such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.What are the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing? These laws
may vary by region.
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far will the vehicle be towed? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
.Does the vehicle have the proper towing
equipment? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drive unit
could be damaged. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
tow the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground.
This vehicle is not designed to be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
290 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0172.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0210.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal Service.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe Service.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0222.
Maintenance Schedule
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Tires are rotated to achieve a more uniform
wear for all tires. The first rotation is the
most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the
tires as soon as possible, check for proper
tire inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual
wear continues after the rotation, check the wheel alignment. See
When It Is Time for
New Tires 0264 and
Wheel Replacement 0268.
.Perform Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
See Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
0 292.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0280.
Additional Required Services —Normal
Service
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system. Or
when the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil
and filter changed within the next
1 000 km/600 mi. If driven under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform this
work. If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle within
5 000 km/3,000 mi since the last service.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Service and Maintenance 291
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 227.
.When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced at the
earliest convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air filter
is replaced. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0228.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). More frequent
replacement may be needed if the vehicle
is driven in areas with heavy traffic, poor
air quality, areas with high dust levels or
are sensitive to environmental allergens.
Filter replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you determine
when it is the right time to replace your
filter. Every 96 000 km (60,000 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0238.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0229.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles.
‐ Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads. ‐
High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Index 329
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 111
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240, 241
Storage Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Struts
Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
System Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Global Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 System (cont'd)
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Rear Cross Traffic Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Taillamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240, 241
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Low-Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257, 258
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Tires (cont'd)
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 266
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 268
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 264
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrakLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . 186
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . 150
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 305